Recycle & Reuse Household Chemicals & Paints

The primary purpose of the City of Odessa’s Household Hazardous Waste Program is to educate the public on the safe and proper handling and disposal of their retail household waste products that are considered hazardous if discarded in regular trash.

What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household hazardous wastes are products which contain hazardous chemicals that are ignitable, corrosive, toxic or reactive. The hazardous chemical ingredients in these household materials should be handled and stored with care.

Look for these symbols on your household products:

Proper disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW):

The Odessa Household Hazardous Waste department is here to assist you with the disposal of residential hazardous waste; commercial hazardous waste must comply with Texas and federal Hazardous waste regulations (Please visit http://www.tceq.state.tx.usfor more information). Getting rid of unused household hazardous products down the drain, ground or sewage system negatively impacts and poses a threat to our drinking water and ecosystem. As residents of Odessa, we carry the responsibility of properly disposing our hazardous waste to protect our groundwater, soil, vegetation and wildlife. Improper disposal exposes our community to chemicals such as lead, mercury, acid and etc.

Lead and mercury (EX: thermometer, thermostat) are highly toxic and will have adverse effect if inhaled or ingested, take proper precautions when handling a product that contains these chemicals.

Acids and Bases (EX: pool chemicals, toilet bowl cleaners) are corrosive and will harm your skin, respiratory system and eyes.

Propylene Glycol is found in antifreeze and it is extremely toxic when its used improperly.

If you have a high quantity of hazardous waste that is not accepted by the city, you can always call the HHW center to inquire about which organizations can assist you or visit http://www.earth911.com/ to find vendors that can assist you with proper disposal of your wastes.

What you CAN bring:

Corrosive cleaners(Example: drain cleaners and lye-based cleaners)

Household pesticides***

Garden and lawn fertilizers, and pesticides***

Household latex and oil based paints*

Turpentine

Stain

Solvents

Paint Thinner

Lacquer

Household cleaning products (soaps, detergents, bleach and etc)***

Spray paints***

Motor oil from Do It Yourself ProJects

Antifreeze

Alkaline batteries

COME AND GET IT.

*These items can be picked up and reused by individuals and nonprofit organizations for free.
Safety Guidelines: How will you get rid of it?

Bring products in original labeled containers

Items must be 5 gallons or less

Do not mix products (Extremely dangerous, even deadly)

Place it upright in a sturdy box

Triple Rinse empty household hazardous products when you completely finish using it and discard it in the appropriate recycle/waste bin. Follow the direction on the container to get rid of empty bottles and products.